December/January 2023

President Howell reflects on the 2022 sailing season, thanking volunteers for making regattas possible and highlighting the class's steady progress. He notes new venues, succession planning in fleet leadership, and three teams working on the future direction of the Thistle Class including Nationals scoring, duration, and strategic planning.

Secretary Duckworth reminds members that 2023 membership dues are due by January 1st. She highlights the benefits of the CLUBSPOT membership management tool and encourages members to receive the Bagpipe electronically to reduce printing costs and environmental impact.

The 2023 Midwinters East has moved to Fort Walton Beach at Fort Walton Yacht Club from March 1-5. This detailed article covers arrival logistics, club facilities, racing information, housing options including condos, hotels, tent camping, and RV camping, plus information about local attractions.

1st VP Shedden reflects on the importance of understanding and preserving Thistle Class history, using the Lake Erie Fall Series as an example. She encourages sailors to learn and share the stories behind class traditions, noting that current sailors are building the future history of the Thistle Class.

Chief Measurer Pignolet discusses the importance of attracting and retaining young sailors and new members to ensure the Thistle Class's long-term viability. He shares personal experiences from the Pacific Coast Championships and outlines several measurement committee projects to make boats easier and more affordable while maintaining one-design standards.

A comprehensive listing of upcoming Thistle Class regattas from February through July 2023, including locations, dates, contact information, and 2022 winners for each event.

A racing rules quiz from Dave Perry, a renowned rules expert. The quiz presents a scenario at the starting line involving boats approaching an anchor line, followed by a detailed rules answer explaining the relevant Racing Rules of Sailing.

Commodore Slawter invites Thistle sailors to the 2023 Nationals at North Flathead Yacht Club in Montana (July 14-21). She provides extensive details about the venue, camping accommodations, racing, social events, weather, clothing recommendations, and nearby attractions including Glacier Park and mountain resorts.

Jim Spiegel details his multi-year restoration of a classic wooden Thistle (#927) from the 1950s. The article covers the discovery and disassembly, hull preparation, structural repairs, modernization of rigging and systems, finishing with epoxy and Alexseal paint, and successful test sails.

Race report for the Berlin Kick-Off Regatta that started the 2022 Lake Erie Fall Series. Discusses light and variable wind conditions, new sailors joining the class, and amusing anecdotes including a young child eating Goldfish crackers.

Report on the 72nd Annual Harvest Moon Regatta at Atwood Yacht Club with 13 Thistles competing. The article praises the club's hospitality including meals, accommodations, and festivities, and highlights several boats including new restorers and repurposed boats.

Race report for the Sandusky One-Design Regatta held in the East Bay near Cedar Point. Kyle Finefrock dominated the event in shifty wind conditions, with discussion of wind patterns and tactical challenges.

Race report from Pymatuning Yacht Club for the Dornin Memorial Regatta with 14 boats racing in light, shifty winds. Details three races with descriptions of wind patterns and tactical considerations.

Report on the Ice Breaker Regatta at Crescent Sail Yacht Club on Lake St. Clair with challenging 15-16 mph northerly winds and severe chop. Details the top finishers and their performances in difficult conditions.

Report on the 56th North Cape Yacht Club Fall Blowout Regatta, the oldest annual one-design regatta, hosted by John Greiner since 1966. Details the racing in building and shifting winds with anecdotes about boat troubles and the famous post-regatta Painkillers.

Report on the first Thistle regatta at Mansfield Sailing Club on Clear Fork Reservoir, organized by Carrie and Conor Ruppen. Describes the venue near Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and gusty conditions that capsized four boats during the event.

Report on the final regatta of the Lake Erie Fall Series at Hoover Sailing Club. The authors describe conditions with light winds and tactical challenges at each mark, highlighting the competitive depth of the Lake Erie fleet.

Event report on the 2022 Thistle Pacific Coast Championship at Ventura Yacht Club. Stan Smith, Event Chair, describes the racing in light Friday conditions and building breeze on Sunday, the Oktoberfest dinner, and thanks sponsors and traveling sailors.

Humorous race report from the Wild Turkey Regatta at Savannah Yacht Club where the author, disappointed by low registration, notes the competitive depth with three Nationals champions. Greg Griffin dominates the regatta despite the author's attempts to slow down the top finishers.

Obituary for Ron Rostorfer, past Bagpipe Editor and former Thistle Class President. The article details his extensive sailing accomplishments including Nationals finishes, ocean races, and leadership roles in various sailing organizations. Ron passed away on August 20, 2022, at age 80.

Tribute to Dr. Dick Brust and his wife Margaret for founding and developing the Eugene Yacht Club Sail School in 1969. The article highlights how the program has grown from 68 students to over 100 and has become central to EYC's culture and volunteer spirit. The club is officially renaming the Sail School the Dick Brust Sail School.

A curated collection of book recommendations for children and young adults with sailing themes, reviewed by a retired teacher. Includes picture books for young children and chapter books for older children, emphasizing stories that encourage a love of sailing and adventure.

Report on the 60th anniversary Old Goat Regatta at Lake Lanier Sailing Club. Wheeler Sutton, new regatta chair, describes the event's goals to attract more boats, younger sailors, and return to normal after COVID. The regatta featured 42 boats (most in a decade), eight wooden boats, and extensive onshore activities including Wheelbarrow Beer and live music.

Report on the Clean Class Initiative across fall regattas in three regions: Southeast, East Coast, and Lake Erie. A total of 14 Clean Regattas were registered or certified, with improvements including reusable trophies, water bottles, reduced single-use plastics, composting, and expanded green team participation.